US-Israeli captive gets freed by Hamas
(MENAFN) Edan Alexander, the final American citizen held hostage by Hamas, has been released and reunited with his family, according to statements made on Monday. Hamas characterized the release as a “gesture of goodwill” toward former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is currently visiting Gulf Arab nations as part of Washington's ongoing push to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and the militant group.
Alexander, a 21-year-old dual Israeli-American citizen, was serving in the Israel Defense Forces when he was captured during Hamas's October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel. That attack resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths and roughly 250 hostages taken, marking the deadliest day in Israel’s history. In response, Israel launched a prolonged military campaign targeting Hamas in Gaza.
The release was arranged through U.S.-led negotiations, with Egypt and Qatar acting as intermediaries. As part of the agreement, the IDF temporarily halted operations in Gaza to allow Alexander’s transfer, after which he was brought to an Israeli military base to reunite with his family.
Trump announced the news via his Truth Social account, describing Hamas’s action as a positive step toward ending the conflict and returning all hostages. He later shared a video showing his envoy, Steve Witkoff, helping Alexander’s mother speak to her son shortly after the release.
Alexander’s family expressed gratitude to Trump and urged continued efforts to secure the release of the 58 remaining hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited both Israel's military campaign and U.S. political pressure for the successful release. However, he clarified that the temporary ceasefire was solely to ensure Alexander’s safe return and did not indicate a broader peace agreement.
Following the release, Israeli airstrikes resumed in Gaza, with reports of civilian casualties in Khan Younis. Netanyahu reaffirmed plans to escalate the military campaign despite international mediation efforts.
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